The Atlanta Tipoff Club has announced the top 30 candidates for the 2013 Naismith Men's College Player of the Year award presented by AT&T. Four student-athletes from the Big 12 are on the list. Kansas is one of three schools with two players, while the Big 12 has two of the four freshmen included among the group.

Ben McLemore leads KU in scoring at 15.9 points per game, which tops all Big 12 freshmen and ranks third overall in the conference. Jeff Withey leads the Jayhawks in rebounding (8.5 rpg) and has 11 double-doubles this season. McGruder becomes third Wildcat to be selected as a Top 30 candidate for the Naismith Award, joining Michael Beasley (2008) and Jacob Pullen (2010). McGruder leads the 13th-ranked Wildcats in six categories, including scoring (14.8 ppg.), double-digit scoring games (21), 20-point games (8), field goals (155), rebounding (5.4 rpg.) and minutes (32.2 mpg.). Smart has propelled Oklahoma State up the standings by averaging 15.0 points and 5.7 rebounds. He leads the Cowboys with 113 assists this year.

The top 30 candidates were selected by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, which based its criteria on player performances to this point in the 2013 men's college basketball season. In late March, the Naismith Trophy voting academy will narrow down the list to four finalists. The Naismith Men's College Player of the Year presented by AT&T will be awarded on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta.

For the ninth consecutive year, fans will have the opportunity to text their votes for the player of their choice and help determine the 2013 Naismith Trophy winner. Voting will open to fans on Monday, March 25. Naismith Trophy presenting sponsor AT&T is making the voting open to other wireless carriers, enabling even more fans to participate.